Remains found near Echo Summit identified

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The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office has positively identified the remains of a man found near a crashed car below U.S. Highway 50 earlier this month.

The skeletal remains were that of 45-year-old Elk Grove resident Kirk Lacefield, Lt. Pete Van Arnum said Wednesday. The remains were found after the Sheriff's Office received a report of a possible car crash in the area of Old Meyers Grade about 2 p.m. Oct. 12.

Lacefield was reported missing in May, according to The Sacramento Bee.

He was considered at risk because he was a diagnosed schizophrenic, was not in possession of his medication and could be suicidal, according to a June 5 statement from the Elk Grove Police Department.

Lacefield's cause of death is listed as multiple fractures due to blunt force trauma. Authorities believe Lacefield sustained the injuries after driving off the highway.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating whether the crash was accidental or intentional, Van Arnum said.

It's unknown when the crash happened. Lacefield's state of decomposition was consistent with the crash happening about the same time he was reported missing, according to Van Arnum. Dental records were used to identify him.